Fertilizing Orchids in water culture.

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Just to clarify since it was brought to my attention, when I say in the video that “orchids always grow and there is no non-growing season” I am making that statement about my plants and the type of plants I grow. There are indeed some orchids that go dormant and so my statement was to broad and I should have made clear I was referring to my orchids and the types that I grow. Also when a plant is under stress or has a set back it can stop growing or go dormant. I apologize if anything I said was said in a way that was misleading. Just me being the imperfect person that I am. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤗🤪

[@elainereilly4686]

I know what you mean. My orchids are always growing too. If there is a non-growing season, it is so brief that I don't notice it. Here in Florida we have a constant temperature of 82 on the porch where my mature orchids live and 78 at night. There is very little variation of the natural light. They all have been happy for 20 years.

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Elaine Reilly yes, almost every one of my established plants is always growing. I guess they must be happy 😊 I envy my Florida friends because I would love to grow outside! Must be so beautiful on your porch! Enjoy!!!

[@elainereilly4686]

@@daniellesorchidranch1591 it is wonderful but my porch is enclosed with tinted glass. I find it too damn hot outside. Maybe it's just me. I lived the first 58 years in Rhode Island.

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Elaine Reilly that’s why I don’t live in Florida, to hot for me! It’s been in the high 80’s here in upstate NY and I’m melting !!! Lol

[@orchidsbythelake]

Oh, I knew you were referring to those you have. Good point by Micheal (as always) but I knew what you were saying along with I knew you knew there were winter resters... but I guess if you are new to orchids, you wouldn’t know.

[@rayettajones6441]

Your collection is GORGEOUS! I'm hoping to add a couple more to my 3 count collection. My 1st one was my mom's, I've had it for 14 years now, so i must be doing something right. I've also been able to save 2 clearance orchids that are doing great. I think for me, I enjoy the challenge of reviving an unwanted one.

[@broaddeb]

Comprehensible, understandable and helpful! Your orchids are looking so happy in their new growing space. 🙂

[@MariaLopez-qg4ht]

All the information that you bring to us is helpful and like you said we have to grow in our environment so thank you so much you are the only one really that does water culture and your results are proof that you are the best

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Maria Lopez that’s so sweet of you to say. I try my best but I am constantly learning and putting thought into how I can do better. I am so pleased to be able to provide any help I can to others!

[@rayven085]

I love your videos. So informative and real. I love everything you do.

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Thank you 😊

[@KandisStarr]

Im going to have to re watch and take notes 💖🌺🌱

[@ruaboshoff6850]

You have inspired me to grow my orchard in water its my first time. I am trying this. I follow you all the time

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@nanetteorchid6680]

thank you so much for this video! I often times wonder about the differences that growers have while growing in water culture. For instance, I am enjoying a facebook group called"Water Culture Orchids and General Orchid Care" .Some of these successful growers have had their orchids in fwc for 5 years and aren't using ANY fertilizers! I ask a lot of questions to answer that one...mostly what I surmise is that most of these folks are using well water as opposed to R/O , rain, distilled, etc plus fertilizers. Though some are also using tap...It's still curious to me. I think well water often is closest to what nature provides to orchids in the wild...kinda makes sense. One of my friends had an orchid living in bark for six years that hadn't been changed and flowered every year. It baffled me. She of course had delicious well water. I even think that organic material decomposes slower when using well water. Just another surmise...lol! Lately i've been doing a lot of rainwater flushing. Everybody loves it and are responding to it in a good way. I have some plants in bark mixes and in leca beads. Still figuring out the leca, cuz I think it rapidly changes the ph value in a week. not sure yet. I was watching a video of a good UK grower and he said he flushes with 200 ppm of epsom salts once a month and is getting good results...but he grows in traditional mediums. Anyway, I love watching your videos and gathering more water culture success stories and info. Your plants look great and I also have found that using the right nitrogen sources for colder climates has made a tremendous difference for my plants... Keep these inspiring videos coming...thank you for your wonderful sharing! Sorry this was so lonnnnngggg.lol!

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

I think you are right about well water, the nutrients in it are just what nature provides and so far my plants seem to be enjoying it! The one thing is my well water is very alkaline so I have to figure that out. I’m currently observing my plants to make sure they don’t develop any deficiencies. It might be worth experimenting with one of my plants and just giving it well water to see if there are enough nutrients to keep her happy, thanks for the idea. I’m mostly doing that with my miltoniopsis and two are actually in spike! I’ve noticed the well water PH does not drop as quickly as the distilled water I used at my old home. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Always enjoy your comments!

[@elainereilly4686]

Thank you for your video...especially what happens in nature. Your thoughts on fertilization make perfect sense to me.

[@LizMcNamara47]

When you are editing your video will you reinforce the info you are putting out with some text on the NPK levels etc please and thank you in anticipation

[@sjay1970]

Very sensible content, comprehensive and well explained 👏

[@dorothycherkas17]

I watched all your videos. Do you have a humidifier running all day?

[@terrystunesnance1547]

You are always very helpful!! Thank you😎 🌼

[@patriciathibeault5267]

I live in Southport, NC now and Kelp Max is made on Oak Island just 10 minutes away from us. I also use Bloom City Cal-Mag 2-0-0 supplement Professional Grade. K-L-N 1/4 teasp to a gallon of rain water with all the supplements I collect and my plants seem to be happy. I have not even lost a leaf with this fertilizing. Have some Phals with up to 12 leafs on them. Roots are doing very well. But I do not grow my Phals in water but my others are in water.when I put my Phals in water I would lose the roots I guess they have to grow new one to get a custom to being in water and that takes very long.

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Patricia Thibeault I don't always loose roots when I transfer Phals. I find the Species are much easier to transfer then hybrids. Thanks for sharing your fertilizer routine! Always great to hear what works for people.

[@Anna_Amoroso]

Thank you very much for this very helpful video! Take care 💖

[@KandisStarr]

I got the tds and pm sticks you said you use.. But i dont know how to celebrate them even after reading the instructions 😆 im just trying to understand how to get them the best water to thrive in...im in Tennessee but im from NY id love a video .. Ive been binge watching your channel and your such a big help

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Yes my PH meter can be especially challenging so I will try to include their use in a video for you. In the meantime I looked up how to calibrate PH meters on KZbin and it was very helpful.

[@KandisStarr]

@@daniellesorchidranch1591 thank you

[@momepenni]

Paula from Mexico. I have only one plant in bloom an Dendrobium, that is almost finished. I have one Dendrobium that has two new growths and it has two spikes coming. All others are pushing new growths & roots. My Phaleonopsis usually start blooming in September and last to February or March. The hot season (April to June) is over, now it is a little cooler till September, because it is raining season.

[@jeanne5638]

Danielle, do you add the kelp max and the fertilizer together??

[@gloriaarcuri7611]

Live in central new jersey what fertilizer would you recommend for daily water culture

[@FernandaGarcias]

My friend that vídeo is very important for me 🥰

[@mariakarathanasi9799]

Well just lovely, I love the way you grow in water culture!! I have tried it and have failed. I live in a very hot and dry country Athens Greece and i guess I just havent found the right ratio between dry and wet. Anyway i grow in lecca self watering but would love to grow your way. Thanks for sharing and have a great day.

[@marysunshine389]

Great video. What do you give a newly purchased orchid, living in moss, with a small root system, that you want to transfer to water culture? Thank you.

[@jeanne5638]

Danielle just to clarify you use Kelp at all times? also, what is the cal nitrate product that you use?

[@georgepernicano6513]

With so many plants in water, do you change the water every week?

[@suzisaintjames]

Hmmm 🤔. If wild orchids get fed every time it rains, why would the nutrient level change from one season to another? I'm suggesting that in the wild, orchids get fed less because in their native habitat, some times of the year, it rains less? Something to ponder. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. Take care of yourself and each other 😷

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

It depends on what is going on in the environment at the time. Some seasons there is more rain and so more of the nutrients get washed away each time and thus less nutrients have a chance to build up. Other seasons, it rains less and so the nutrients build up and when it rains, it’s a more nutrient rich solution. Also sometimes there is leaf litter and breaking down organic matter, and sometimes there’s not depending on the season. There is never a steady nutrient Supply in nature, it depends on multiple things in the environment. Thank you for your thoughts and for watching!

[@bobbieleder5336]

You actually change the water on every orchid every week? Your orchid collection is very healthy looking and pretty and liked your videos. Thanks

[@FernandaGarcias]

Olá 👋 Obrigada. Bom fim de semana 😊

[@landt3429]

What is PPM? Is there another measure you can use?

[@evelynhume8467]

what exactly the name of white powder n where can i buy that

[@MariaLopez-qg4ht]

Thank you once again for all your information I'm doing a little better with my girls

[@rogerwood3200]

Since I followed the water culture method one of the Phalaenopsis has changed the colour of some roots purple? What do you think is the reason? Leaves are fine.

[@gloriaarcuri7611]

Can u explain ppm etc what food would youu recommend

[@marciabuchanan-blair776]

Is that a humidifier that you have in the room for the plants?

[@dianeboyd5217]

How long does it take to change water for all those beautiful orchids? I’m growing in water and have 4 still in medium. Using rain water. Happy plants and blooming. Ps I’m in central Florida

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

It usually takes 2 hours as long as I don’t find anything wrong that I have to address. Thanks for watching!

[@orchidsbythelake]

Thank you again for 🤯 video. So if you research then why am I researching? 😝 Anyway, I don’t know anybody who would put this much thought on water culture! No wonder yours are thriving!

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Plant s And other things Hahahaha! Thank you so much, I have this problem where if I do something I want to be the best I can at what I do! It ends up being frustrating because I always make mistakes, lol. But I love learning about the things I’m interested in. Thanks for watching!

[@laurenodonnell6181]

Have you ever used banana peels soaked in water for 2 days as your fertilizer? I've read that it can be really good for the orchids. What are your thoughts?

[@debrazuliani2140]

I am doing egg shells and banana peels in water for all my plants and my orchid loves it

[@NotAkiHere]

@@debrazuliani2140Sorry for such a late question, does this not cause root rot for the orchids?

[@suzisaintjames]

​@@NotAkiHere, "banana tea" is supposed to leach potassium into the water. "Egg shell tea" is supposed to leach calcium. I have no experience, but I would think any possible root rot caused by one of these teas would not be rot, but fertilizer burn by too strong a tea. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@debrazuliani2140]

No root rot . I have tried to grow orchids my hole life and this is the first time that I am able to grow orchids now I have to figure out how to get them to bloom 😅

[@fancynancy2134]

Try brewed coffee ☕️ After I make it, I add boiling water in the coffee grounds and in room temperature, add the Orchid roots for 15-30 mins and remove it. Roots are growing crazy. 😂

[@gloriaarcuri7611]

Rick L where can I get this fertilizer please brand?

[@plantingitreal]

Are you still using the first rays fertilizer, and what is the name on the msu?

[@sallyd7361]

Hi Just to clarify, The orchids stay in water? Maybe I misunderstood, I thought you just put water in for 24 hours once a week and the rest of the days without? Can you help clarify? Thanks so much !

[@daniellesmith7578]

Do all of your orchids get the same ppm

[@samgustian6904]

Hi danielle ranch orchids, I've been following you over a years now, I see u change ur orchids fertilizer, my question is, should I added cal mag in fertilize regimen??? Thank u for everything (u r one of my orchids heroes)🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Sam Gustian how nice for you to say! Thank you! If you notice signs of a calcium or magnesium deficiency or if you are not satisfied with the levels available in your fertilizer you can certainly add cal/mag to your regimen. It won’t hurt them, they won’t use it if they don’t need it. I have stopped using it because I feel I offer enough in my fertilizer. I do have it though and I watch for signs of a deficiency.

[@samgustian6904]

Ok thank u, I love WC, been straggling over a years n kill sooo many orchids, n after I watch all ur video over n over again, finally I understand growing orchids in water culture (I'm not science person n English is not my first language), this years I haven't kill any orchids, most my growing methods inspired with urs, so thank u, thank u n thank u,❤❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

SO very happy you are successful! Thanks so much for sharing this with me! Enjoy watching them grow! 😊

[@NinjaOrchids]

What a great video! 👍🏼 that shelving set up is really nice! The ones on the wall are newly installed? Or did I miss that the past videos! Either way... it’s gorgeous! 🤩

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Ninja_Orchids you are so sharp! They are new and some of them are empty awaiting my new plants 😂🤣😂

[@gloriaarcuri7611]

Plants are on bakers racks in windows afternoon sun

[@janpresley-davis5803]

As always so much great information! What channel did you recommend Rick “Ell”?

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Thanks and the channel is Rick L.

[@nanetteorchid6680]

Rick L. Orchids...great stuff...Miss him a lot.

[@gloriaarcuri7611]

Where can I purchase Cal nitrate

[@elbeem20001]

I have used Epson salts in my other houseplants - and BOOM!! I have to stand back to give them room!! Would Epsom salts work with orchids? I do not use a lot, about a 1/4 tsp in my houseplants.

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Yes it contains magnesium which is one of those nutrients orchids love. I know several orchid growers use Epsom salts. I personally don’t so I can’t advise on how much to use and how often but I think you should be able to find that information if you do some research.

[@BriBonnerComedy]

Hi Not sure this is related but i have questions. I have two minis that i am reviving. I unpotted them, cut the dead roots and did the alternating sitting them in water and then drying out. they have nice new roots and new leaves. i want to know when and what to pot them in? I am in So. California and they are in a southern facing window. Also I have a regular Phall and it has two spikes one is turning red. it is 8 mos old and has two flowers on the other spike. i never repotted it.what should i do with it? thanks very much!

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Brianne Layne when they have roots there is no wrong time to repot. However I am not an expert on organic media, I don’t use it so as far as what to repot them in, if it was me I’d use WC but if I had to use organic media I’d use bark with a little moss mixed in because they are used to moisture. Again I don’t use organic media so you really should use what works best for you. If you wanted to use an inorganic material you could use Leca or glass pebbles or river rock. There are many choices. Oh the Phal with the spikes, if the spike is turned red she is probably re-absorbing it. Once it dries out you can cut it off.

[@BriBonnerComedy]

@@daniellesorchidranch1591 thanks so much!

[@ambermyshak1645]

when doing water culture do you need to use fertilizer for the orchid to survive/grow? I'm new to this and mainly looking to make sure she survives before i blow my college student budget :C

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

I do use fertilizer however many just use tap water. Fertilizer is not that expensive and lasts for a long time because you only use a little bit each time you water.

[@tammytran6152]

I just started water culture for my orchids and am wondering if you submerged the roots in water all the time? Won’t the roots be prone to rotting?

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

The roots should not be fully submerged for any length of time. Just a portion of the roots depending on your environment and chosen growing method. I suggest you do research on growing hydroponically, that really helped me succeed. I also have several videos on how to transfer to water culture. These might be helpful to you as well.

[@tammytran6152]

@@daniellesorchidranch1591 You mentioned that your orchids are in water for a week and the video showed the roots are submerged in water. I am a little confused.

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

@@tammytran6152 i’m sorry if that was confusing. The word submerged to me means completely covered and that’s the reason why I said they should not be fully submerged for any length of time. In other words the roots need oxygen as much as they need water. So if all week long the roots are submerged or fully covered with water they will suffocate and die and rot. Some people use semi water Culture in which most of the roots are covered for a day or two. But then they make sure to drain off all the water so the roots can get plenty of oxygen and dry out before they are watered again. Roots in nature do die and rot it’s part of their natural process. So some roots dying off occasionally is normal. When using water Culture making sure you give them the appropriate level of water and oxygen ratio is the key to making sure the root system does not die and then rot. I suggest if you wish to grow hydroponically, which is what water culture is, that you do some research on how to grow hydroponically so you can find out what the appropriate level of water is for your growing environment.

[@momepenni]

Paula from Mexico. I use fertilizer from repotme.com for rain water. I add seaweed to it. I collect rain water, it rains at night June to September. The ph of rain water is 5.5. I keep wood charcoal in the rain water to keep it fresh. I just started, 4 plant that is having problems with no or little roots, 2 days in fertilizer water, I will check it to see how many days no water.

[@nanetteorchid6680]

i like the idea of putting charcoal in the water to keep it clean...I might have to try this!!!

[@marieb1780]

can you show the names of All products you use

[@claudiasolomon2108]

How do you know how much water to put them in.

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Phalaenopsis orchids don’t need a lot of water as long as the environment is not too hot. Just a little water once a week is usually enough. Other types of orchids need to be watered according to the type of roots they have and where they grow naturally so I research each one to decide how much water and how often.

[@fancynancy2134]

Have you ever used diluted brewed coffee? 🤯

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

No, I don’t really try these methods because the method I am currently using works well

[@gloriaarcuri7611]

Full window exposure

[@juanitahamilton9523]

What insect eats the blooms of the orchards

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Mealy bugs and snails as far as I know. I’m sure there are others but those are the ones I’ve encountered.

[@cristinavasilica6301]

scusa, ma cosa sono quelle palline blu azzurre che se vedono in vasi?

[@raffaelacedraschi7110]

Sonó di cetro per sostenerse le radicó a una cierta alteza dall’acqua

[@raffaelacedraschi7110]

Completamente scorretto scusa. Sono di vetro, per sostenere le radici sopra il nivello dell’acqua

[@liz3putt]

PPM ?

[@Kthusu100]

Please specify how much u add!

[@junereith3400]

What is PPM and what equates to 300 please

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

June Reith PPM stands for parts per million, which is a reading a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter will give you which helps you determine how strong your fertilizer mix is.

[@traciejones3375]

Isn't there a more user friendly measurement, like 1/4 tsp per gal, etc?

[@ajlast3691]

16:00 Indeed research is.key. same as you I've been.doing what everyone.is.doing not considering the environment where I am living.in so.I.end.up with a disaster... 😁😂

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Adonis Junas Last unfortunately a pitfall many of us fall into

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

"there is no non-growing season" umm, but there is. Any of the winter resters have a true non-growing season. All Catasetinae, deciduous Dendrobiums, some species Phals, Chysis, Lycaste and others should get little to no water and no feed (the only water they get for a period in the wild is condensation, there is no rain). And some plants need reduced water but no feed for a period in the winter in order to bloom (mostly Dendrobiums but there are some species in the Cattleya alliance).

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

You are correct, I should have made it clear I was talking about my plants and not all orchids. I apologize. I don't have any orchids that I have noticed go completely dormant and even my dendrobiums the are considered winter resting I give a weekly sip of water. I don't grow Catasetinae, Chysis and some of the others you mentioned. So for me, I notice growth the majority of time in the year. I will be more cautious in future to remember to state there are plants that do go dormant.

[@MariaLopez-qg4ht]

I would let them sit in water that was fertilized and then dump it🤔🤔🤔

[@daniellesorchidranch1591]

Maria Lopez that's the great thing about growing orchids! You can do what you prefer! A lot of flexibility!

[@sallyd7361]

Hi Just to clarify, The orchids stay in water? Maybe I misunderstood, I thought you just put water in for 24 hours once a week and the rest of the days without? Can you help clarify? Thanks so much !